John Cena Announces Retirement From WWE
John Cena, the iconic wrestler turned actor, announced his retirement from WWE over the weekend at the Money In The Bank event in Toronto. The 47-year-old said he would finish his in-ring career with appearances at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas in 2025.
Cena, a 16-time world champion, thanked fans for their support over his two-decade-long career. "What an incredible gesture of kindness," he said in response to the crowd chanting "Thank you Cena." He added, "I wanna say thank you, thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built."
Although he has performed part-time since 2018, Cena has been a central figure in WWE since 2001. He promised to complete between 30 to 40 dates through 2025 as part of his farewell tour, stating, "The business is at incredible heights of popularity and awareness."
Cena also addressed his legacy, emphasising that he wants to do something special for his global fanbase. "WWE is filled with stories. It’s constantly a program of stories ending and new stories beginning," he said at a press conference following the event.
Despite previous considerations of retirement, Cena insists this time it's final. "People say they’re walking away, and two years later they come back. I want to set the record straight right now: I’m done. This is it," he affirmed.
Cena’s career has extended beyond the ring, with notable roles in films like "The Suicide Squad," "Fast & Furious 9," and "Barbie." He has also been the most requested celebrity for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and holds a Guinness World Record for the number of wishes granted to children with critical illnesses.
Cena’s final chapter in WWE marks the end of an era for many fans who have followed his journey from a bodybuilding hopeful in the late '90s to a wrestling legend and Hollywood star. As he steps away from the ring, Cena leaves behind a legacy of resilience, adaptability, and entertainment that has defined his career.
In his parting words, Cena invited other WWE superstars to seize the moment: "Hurry up and come get some... because the last time is now." As he prepares for his final matches, Cena’s impact on WWE and its fans will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
